1
|
Gonçalves G, da Silva MS, dos Santos LA, Guimarães TZ, Taveira GB, Almeida FA, Ferreira SR, Amancio Oliveira AE, Nagano CS, Chaves RP, Silveira V, de Oliveira Carvalho A, Rodrigues R, Gomes VM. Structural and Functional Characterization of New Lipid Transfer Proteins with Chitin-Binding Properties: Insights from Protein Structure Prediction, Molecular Docking, and Antifungal Activity. Biochemistry 2024; 63:1824-1836. [PMID: 38968244 PMCID: PMC11256766 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.4c00124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Faced with the emergence of multiresistant microorganisms that affect human health, microbial agents have become a serious global threat, affecting human health and plant crops. Antimicrobial peptides have attracted significant attention in research for the development of new microbial control agents. This work's goal was the structural characterization and analysis of antifungal activity of chitin-binding peptides from Capsicum baccatum and Capsicum frutescens seeds on the growth of Candida and Fusarium species. Proteins were initially submitted to extraction in phosphate buffer pH 5.4 and subjected to chitin column chromatography. Posteriorly, two fractions were obtained for each species, Cb-F1 and Cf-F1 and Cb-F2 and Cf-F2, respectively. The Cb-F1 (C. baccatum) and Cf-F1 (C. frutescens) fractions did not bind to the chitin column. The electrophoresis results obtained after chromatography showed two major protein bands between 3.4 and 14.2 kDa for Cb-F2. For Cf-F2, three major bands were identified between 6.5 and 14.2 kDa. One band from each species was subjected to mass spectrometry, and both bands showed similarity to nonspecific lipid transfer protein. Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis had their growth inhibited by Cb-F2. Cf-F2 inhibited the development of C. albicans but did not inhibit the growth of C. tropicalis. Both fractions were unable to inhibit the growth of Fusarium species. The toxicity of the fractions was tested in vivo on Galleria mellonella larvae, and both showed a low toxicity rate at high concentrations. As a result, the fractions have enormous promise for the creation of novel antifungal compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella
Rodrigues Gonçalves
- Laboratório
de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências
e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do
Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, 28013-602 Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marciele Souza da Silva
- Laboratório
de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências
e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do
Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, 28013-602 Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Layrana Azevedo dos Santos
- Laboratório
de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências
e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do
Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, 28013-602 Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Thomas Zacarone
Afonso Guimarães
- Laboratório
de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências
e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do
Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, 28013-602 Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Bonan Taveira
- Laboratório
de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências
e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do
Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, 28013-602 Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Felipe Astolpho Almeida
- Laboratório
de Química e Função de Proteínas e Peptídeos,
Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, 28013-602 Campos
dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sarah Rodrigues Ferreira
- Laboratório
de Química e Função de Proteínas e Peptídeos,
Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, 28013-602 Campos
dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Antonia Elenir Amancio Oliveira
- Laboratório
de Química e Função de Proteínas e Peptídeos,
Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, 28013-602 Campos
dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Celso Shiniti Nagano
- Laboratório
de Bioquímica Marinha (BioMar-Lab), Departamento de Engenharia
de Pesca, Universidade Federal do Ceará
(UFC), 60455-900 Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Renata Pinheiro Chaves
- Laboratório
de Bioquímica Marinha (BioMar-Lab), Departamento de Engenharia
de Pesca, Universidade Federal do Ceará
(UFC), 60455-900 Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Vanildo Silveira
- Laboratório
de Biotecnologia, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, 28013-602 RJ, Brazil
| | - André de Oliveira Carvalho
- Laboratório
de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências
e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do
Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, 28013-602 Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rosana Rodrigues
- Laboratório
de Melhoramento e Genética Vegetal, Centro de Ciências
e Tecnologias Agropecuárias, Universidade
Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, 28013-602 Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Valdirene Moreira Gomes
- Laboratório
de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências
e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do
Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, 28013-602 Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kurnia D, Lestari S, Mayanti T, Gartika M, Nurdin D. Anti-Infection of Oral Microorganisms from Herbal Medicine of Piper crocatum Ruiz & Pav. Drug Des Devel Ther 2024; 18:2531-2553. [PMID: 38952486 PMCID: PMC11215520 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s453375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The WHO Global Status Report on Oral Health 2022 reveals that oral diseases caused by infection with oral pathogenic microorganisms affect nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide. Oral health problems are caused by the presence of S. mutans, S. sanguinis, E. faecalis and C. albicans in the oral cavity. Synthetic anti-infective drugs have been widely used to treat oral infections, but have been reported to cause side effects and resistance. Various strategies have been implemented to overcome this problem. Synthetic anti-infective drugs have been widely used to treat oral infections, but they have been reported to cause side effects and resistance. Therefore, it is important to look for safe anti-infective alternatives. Ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological studies suggest that Red Betel leaf (Piper crocatum Ruiz & Pav) could be a potential source of oral anti-infectives. This review aims to discuss the pathogenesis mechanism of several microorganisms that play an important role in causing health problems, the mechanism of action of synthetic oral anti-infective drugs in inhibiting microbial growth in the oral cavity, and the potential of red betel leaf (Piper crocatum Ruiz & Pav) as an herbal oral anti-infective drug. This study emphasises the importance of researching natural components as an alternative treatment for oral infections that is more effective and can meet global needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dikdik Kurnia
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia
| | - Seftiana Lestari
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia
| | - Tri Mayanti
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia
| | - Meirina Gartika
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Denny Nurdin
- Departement of Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Argüelles JC, Sánchez-Fresneda R, Argüelles A, Solano F. Natural Substances as Valuable Alternative for Improving Conventional Antifungal Chemotherapy: Lights and Shadows. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:334. [PMID: 38786689 PMCID: PMC11122340 DOI: 10.3390/jof10050334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Fungi are eukaryotic organisms with relatively few pathogenic members dangerous for humans, usually acting as opportunistic infections. In the last decades, several life-threatening fungal infections have risen mostly associated with the worldwide extension of chronic diseases and immunosuppression. The available antifungal therapies cannot combat this challenge because the arsenal of compounds is scarce and displays low selective action, significant adverse effects, and increasing resistance. A growing isolation of outbreaks triggered by fungal species formerly considered innocuous is being recorded. From ancient times, natural substances harvested from plants have been applied to folk medicine and some of them recently emerged as promising antifungals. The most used are briefly revised herein. Combinations of chemotherapeutic drugs with natural products to obtain more efficient and gentle treatments are also revised. Nevertheless, considerable research work is still necessary before their clinical use can be generally accepted. Many natural products have a highly complex chemical composition, with the active principles still partially unknown. Here, we survey the field underlying lights and shadows of both groups. More studies involving clinical strains are necessary, but we illustrate this matter by discussing the potential clinical applications of combined carnosic acid plus propolis formulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Argüelles
- Área de Microbiología, Facultad Biología, University Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (J.C.A.); (R.S.-F.); (A.A.)
| | - Ruth Sánchez-Fresneda
- Área de Microbiología, Facultad Biología, University Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (J.C.A.); (R.S.-F.); (A.A.)
| | - Alejandra Argüelles
- Área de Microbiología, Facultad Biología, University Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (J.C.A.); (R.S.-F.); (A.A.)
| | - Francisco Solano
- Departamento Bioquímica, Biología Molecular B & Inmunología, Facultad Medicina, University Murcia, Campus El Palmar, 30112 Murcia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ramakanth S, Kennedy T, Yalcinkaya B, Neupane S, Tadic N, Buchler NE, Argüello-Miranda O. Deep learning-driven imaging of cell division and cell growth across an entire eukaryotic life cycle. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.25.591211. [PMID: 38712227 PMCID: PMC11071524 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.25.591211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The life cycle of biomedical and agriculturally relevant eukaryotic microorganisms involves complex transitions between proliferative and non-proliferative states such as dormancy, mating, meiosis, and cell division. New drugs, pesticides, and vaccines can be created by targeting specific life cycle stages of parasites and pathogens. However, defining the structure of a microbial life cycle often relies on partial observations that are theoretically assembled in an ideal life cycle path. To create a more quantitative approach to studying complete eukaryotic life cycles, we generated a deep learning-driven imaging framework to track microorganisms across sexually reproducing generations. Our approach combines microfluidic culturing, life cycle stage-specific segmentation of microscopy images using convolutional neural networks, and a novel cell tracking algorithm, FIEST, based on enhancing the overlap of single cell masks in consecutive images through deep learning video frame interpolation. As proof of principle, we used this approach to quantitatively image and compare cell growth and cell cycle regulation across the sexual life cycle of Saccharomyces cerevisiae . We developed a fluorescent reporter system based on a fluorescently labeled Whi5 protein, the yeast analog of mammalian Rb, and a new High-Cdk1 activity sensor, LiCHI, designed to report during DNA replication, mitosis, meiotic homologous recombination, meiosis I, and meiosis II. We found that cell growth preceded the exit from non-proliferative states such as mitotic G1, pre-meiotic G1, and the G0 spore state during germination. A decrease in the total cell concentration of Whi5 characterized the exit from non-proliferative states, which is consistent with a Whi5 dilution model. The nuclear accumulation of Whi5 was developmentally regulated, being at its highest during meiotic exit and spore formation. The temporal coordination of cell division and growth was not significantly different across three sexually reproducing generations. Our framework could be used to quantitatively characterize other single-cell eukaryotic life cycles that remain incompletely described. An off-the-shelf user interface Yeastvision provides free access to our image processing and single-cell tracking algorithms.
Collapse
|
5
|
Balef SSH, Hosseini SS, Asgari N, Sohrabi A, Mortazavi N. The inhibitory effects of carvacrol, nystatin, and their combination on oral candidiasis isolates. BMC Res Notes 2024; 17:104. [PMID: 38605312 PMCID: PMC11010274 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-024-06767-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candida, a common oral microbiota, can cause opportunistic fungal infections. With rising Candida infections and limited effective antifungals, new treatments are needed. This study investigates carvacrol essential oil's effect on oral candidiasis, alone and with nystatin, compared to nystatin alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, oral samples were collected from dental clinic patients, especially denture users. The presence of Candida was confirmed and cultured from these samples. Candidiasis was detected by observing Candida colonies. Drug sensitivity was tested on 100 positive samples. The minimum concentration of inhibition and lethality of each isolate was evaluated using nystatin and carvacrol. The results were compared using two-way analysis of variance. Finally, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of nystatin and carvacrol was calculated individually and in combination. RESULTS The present study found that Candida albicans and non-albicans species were equally prevalent. Carvacrol showed significant biological activity against all Candida species, with an average MTT of 50.01%. The average MIC value of carvacrol was 24.96 µg/ml, indicating its potential to inhibit Candida growth. The mean Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) value of carvacrol was 23.48 µg/ml, suggesting its effectiveness in killing the fungi. CONCLUSION The study's findings reveal that the MIC of carvacrol was significantly lower than that of nystatin and the combination of nystatin and carvacrol. This suggests that carvacrol holds potential as an effective herbal remedy for candidiasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Seyed Sedigheh Hosseini
- Laboratory Sciences Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
- Department of Mycology and Parasitology, Faculty of Paramedicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Negar Asgari
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Ahmad Sohrabi
- Radinmehr Veterinary Laboratory, Radin Makian Azma Mehr Ltd, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Nazanin Mortazavi
- Dental Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine, School of Dentistry, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, PO Box 4916953363, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Saputra H, Safaat M, Santoso P, Wakabayashi R, Goto M, Taira T, Kamiya N. Design of Protease-Responsive Antifungal Liposomal Formulation Decorated with a Lipid-Modified Chitin-Binding Domain. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3567. [PMID: 38612381 PMCID: PMC11011847 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a prevalent fungal pathogen that displays antibiotic resistance. The polyene antifungal amphotericin B (AmB) has been the gold standard because of its broad antifungal spectra, and its liposomal formulation, AmBisome, has been used widely and clinically in treating fungal infections. Herein, we explored enhancing the antifungal activity of AmBisome by integrating a small chitin-binding domain (LysM) of chitinase A derived from Pteris ryukyuensis. LysM conjugated with a lipid (LysM-lipid) was initially prepared through microbial transglutaminase (MTG)-mediated peptide tag-specific conjugation of LysM with a lipid-peptide substrate. The AmBisome formulation modified with LysM-lipid conjugates had a size distribution that was comparable to the native liposomes but an increased zeta potential, indicating that LysM-lipid conjugates were anchored to AmBisome. LysM-lipid-modified AmBisome exhibited long-term stability at 4 °C while retaining the capacity to bind chitin. Nevertheless, the antifungal efficacy of LysM-lipid-modified AmBisome against C. albicans was modest. We then redesigned a new LysM-lipid conjugate by introducing a peptide linker containing a thrombin digestion (TD) site at the C-terminus of LysM (LysM-TD linker-lipid), thereby facilitating the liberation of the LysM domain from AmBisome upon the addition of thrombin. This new AmBisome formulation anchored with LysM-TD linker-lipid exhibited superior performance in suppressing C. albicans growth in the presence of thrombin compared with the LysM-lipid formulation. These results provide a platform to design stimuli-responsive AmBisome formulations that respond to external environments and thus advance the treatment of pathogenic fungi infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hendra Saputra
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan; (H.S.); (M.S.); (P.S.); (R.W.); (M.G.)
| | - Muhammad Safaat
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan; (H.S.); (M.S.); (P.S.); (R.W.); (M.G.)
| | - Pugoh Santoso
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan; (H.S.); (M.S.); (P.S.); (R.W.); (M.G.)
| | - Rie Wakabayashi
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan; (H.S.); (M.S.); (P.S.); (R.W.); (M.G.)
| | - Masahiro Goto
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan; (H.S.); (M.S.); (P.S.); (R.W.); (M.G.)
- Division of Biotechnology, Center for Future Chemistry, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Toki Taira
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara-cho, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan;
| | - Noriho Kamiya
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan; (H.S.); (M.S.); (P.S.); (R.W.); (M.G.)
- Division of Biotechnology, Center for Future Chemistry, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dominguez JAJ, Luque-Vilca OM, Mallma NES, FLores DDC, Zea CYH, Huayhua LLA, Lizárraga-Gamarra FB, Cáceres CGM, Yauricasa-Tornero SV, Paricanaza-Ticona DC, Cajavilca HLV. Antifungal chemicals promising function in disease prevention, method of action and mechanism. BRAZ J BIOL 2024; 83:e275055. [PMID: 38422253 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.275055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The increasing use of antimicrobial drugs has been linked to the rise of drug-resistant fungus in recent years. Antimicrobial resistance is being studied from a variety of perspectives due to the important clinical implication of resistance. The processes underlying this resistance, enhanced methods for identifying resistance when it emerges, alternate treatment options for infections caused by resistant organisms, and so on are reviewed, along with strategies to prevent and regulate the formation and spread of resistance. This overview will focus on the action mechanism of antifungals and the resistance mechanisms against them. The link between antibacterial and antifungal resistance is also briefly discussed. Based on their mechanism action, antifungals are divided into three distinct categories: azoles, which target the ergosterol synthesis; 5-fluorocytosine, which targets macromolecular synthesis and polyenes, which interact physiochemically with fungal membrane sterols. Antifungal resistance can arise through a wide variety of ways. Overexpression of the target of the antifungal drug, changes to the drug target, changes to sterol biosynthesis, decreased intercellular concentration of the target enzyme, and other processes. A correlation exists between the mechanisms of resistance to antibacterial and antifungals, despite the fact that the comparison between the two is inevitably constrained by various parameters mentioned in the review. Drug extrusion via membrane pumps has been thoroughly documented in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and development of new antifungal compounds and strategies has also been well characterized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - N E S Mallma
- Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú, Huancayo, Perú
| | - D D C FLores
- Universidad Nacional de Huancavelica, Huancavelica, Perú
| | - C Y H Zea
- Universidad Nacional de Juliaca, Juliaca, Perú
| | - L L A Huayhua
- Universidad Nacional de Huancavelica, Huancavelica, Perú
| | | | - C G M Cáceres
- Universidad Nacional de Huancavelica, Huancavelica, Perú
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Arslan NP, Dawar P, Albayrak S, Doymus M, Azad F, Esim N, Taskin M. Fungi-derived natural antioxidants. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2023:1-24. [PMID: 38156661 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2298770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
In humans, exogenous antioxidants aid the endogenous antioxidant system to detoxify excess ROS generated during oxidative stress, thereby protecting the body against various diseases and stressful conditions. The majority of natural antioxidants available on the consumer market are plant-based; however, fungi are being recognized as alternative sources of various natural antioxidants such as polysaccharides, pigments, peptides, sterols, phenolics, alkaloids, and flavonoids. In addition, some exogenous antioxidants are exclusively found in fungi. Fungi-derived antioxidants exhibit scavenging activities against DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl, superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide radicals in vitro. Furthermore, in vivo models, application of fungal-derived antioxidants increase the level of various antioxidant enzymes, such as catalases, superoxide dismutases, and glutathione peroxidases, and reduce the level of malondialdehyde. Therefore, fungi-derived antioxidants have potential to be used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. This review summarizes the antioxidant potential of different fungi (mushrooms, yeasts, and molds)-derived natural compounds such as polysaccharides, pigments, peptides, ergothioneine, ergosterol, phenolics, alkaloids, etc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Pranav Dawar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Seyda Albayrak
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Science Faculty, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Meryem Doymus
- Vocational School of Health Services of Hinis, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Fakhrul Azad
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nevzat Esim
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Science and Art Faculty, Bingol University, Bingol, Turkey
| | - Mesut Taskin
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Science Faculty, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Memariani M, Memariani H. Antifungal properties of cathelicidin LL-37: current knowledge and future research directions. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 40:34. [PMID: 38057654 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-023-03852-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The threat of fungal diseases is substantially underestimated worldwide, but they have serious consequences for humans, animals, and plants. Given the limited number of existing antifungal drugs together with the emergence of drug-resistant strains, many researchers have actively sought alternatives or adjuvants to antimycotics. The best way to tackle these issues is to unearth potential antifungal agents with new modes of action. Antimicrobial peptides are being hailed as a promising source of novel antimicrobials since they exhibit rapid and broad-spectrum microbicidal activities with a reduced likelihood of developing drug resistance. Recent years have witnessed an explosion in knowledge on microbicidal activity of LL-37, the sole human cathelicidin. Herein, we provide a summary of the current understanding about antifungal properties of LL-37, with particular emphasis on its molecular mechanisms. We further illustrate fruitful areas for future research. LL-37 is able to inhibit the growth of clinically and agronomically relevant fungi including Aspergillus, Candida, Colletotrichum, Fusarium, Malassezia, Pythium, and Trichophyton. Destruction of the cell wall integrity, membrane permeabilization, induction of oxidative stress, disruption of endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis, formation of autophagy-like structures, alterations in expression of numerous fungal genes, and inhibition of cell cycle progression are the key mechanisms underlying antifungal effects of LL-37. Burgeoning evidence also suggests that LL-37 may act as a potential anti-virulence peptide. It is hoped that this review will not only motivate researchers to conduct more detailed studies in this field, but also inspire further innovations in the design of LL-37-based drugs for the treatment of fungal infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mojtaba Memariani
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Memariani
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ayed A, Essid R, Mankai H, Echmar A, Fares N, Hammami M, Sewald N, Limam F, Tabbene O. Synergistic antifungal activity and potential mechanism of action of a glycolipid-like compound produced by Streptomyces blastmyceticus S108 against Candida clinical isolates. J Appl Microbiol 2023; 134:lxad246. [PMID: 37884451 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxad246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
AIM The present study aimed to investigate a novel antifungal compound produced by Streptomyces blastmyceticus S108 strain. Its effectiveness against clinical isolates of Candida species and its synergistic effect with conventional antifungal drugs were assessed, and its molecular mechanism of action was further studied against Candida albicans. METHODS AND RESULTS A newly isolated strain from Tunisian soil, S. blastmyceticus S108, showed significant antifungal activity against Candida species by well diffusion method. The butanolic extract of S108 strain supernatant exhibited the best anti-Candida activity with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 250 μg ml-1, determined by the microdilution method. The bio-guided purification steps of the butanolic extract were performed by chromatographic techniques. Among the fractions obtained, F13 demonstrated the highest level of activity, displaying a MIC of 31.25 μg ml-1. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry analyses of this fraction (F13) revealed the glycolipidic nature of the active molecule with a molecular weight of 685.6 m/z. This antifungal metabolite remained stable to physicochemical changes and did not show hemolytic activity even at 4MIC corresponding to 125 µg ml-1 toward human erythrocytes. Besides, the glycolipid compound was combined with 5-flucytosine and showed a high synergistic effect with a fractional inhibitory concentration index value 0.14 against C. albicans ATCC 10231. This combination resulted in a decrease of MIC values of 5-flucytosine and the glycolipid-like compound by 8- and 64-fold, respectively. The examination of gene expression in treated C. albicans cells by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) revealed that the active compound tested alone or in combination with 5-flucytosine blocks the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway by downregulating the expression of ERG1, ERG3, ERG5, ERG11, and ERG25 genes. CONCLUSION AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The new glycolipid-like compound, produced by Streptomyces S108 isolate, could be a promising drug for medical use against pathogenic Candida isolates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Ayed
- Laboratory of Bioactive Substances, Center of Biotechnology of Borj Cedria, BP 901, Hammam-Lif 2050, Tunisia
| | - R Essid
- Laboratory of Bioactive Substances, Center of Biotechnology of Borj Cedria, BP 901, Hammam-Lif 2050, Tunisia
| | - H Mankai
- Laboratory of Bioactive Substances, Center of Biotechnology of Borj Cedria, BP 901, Hammam-Lif 2050, Tunisia
| | - A Echmar
- Laboratory of Bioactive Substances, Center of Biotechnology of Borj Cedria, BP 901, Hammam-Lif 2050, Tunisia
| | - N Fares
- Laboratory of Bioactive Substances, Center of Biotechnology of Borj Cedria, BP 901, Hammam-Lif 2050, Tunisia
| | - M Hammami
- Laboratory of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants, Center of Biotechnology of Borj Cedria, Hammam-Lif 2050, Tunisia
| | - N Sewald
- Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - F Limam
- Laboratory of Bioactive Substances, Center of Biotechnology of Borj Cedria, BP 901, Hammam-Lif 2050, Tunisia
| | - O Tabbene
- Laboratory of Bioactive Substances, Center of Biotechnology of Borj Cedria, BP 901, Hammam-Lif 2050, Tunisia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Glushakova A, Kachalkin A, Rodionova E. The role of fruits as reservoirs for resistant and virulent strains of opportunistic yeasts. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 39:313. [PMID: 37733093 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-023-03758-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Strains of the Candida parapsilosis and Meyerozyma guilliermondii species complexes isolated from the internal tissues of 26 fruit species from 21 countries were evaluated for their susceptibility to conventional antifungal compounds (fluconazole, voriconazole, amphotericin B) and hydrolytic activity. A total of 144 strains were studied. Resistance to at least one of the antifungal compounds tested was found in 26.4% of the endophytic strains examined. Most of the strains were insensitive to fluconazole. Multiresistance was detected only in two strains of C. parapsilosis sensu stricto from tropical apples. Phospholipase production and proteolytic and hemolytic activities were significantly higher in endophytes from tropical fruits. Resistant and virulent strains of opportunistic yeasts can thus spread worldwide via purchased fruit, which can harm people with a weakened immune status and children whose immune systems are not yet fully developed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Glushakova
- Soil Science Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991, Moscow, Russia.
- I.I. Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, Moscow, 105064, Russia.
| | - Aleksey Kachalkin
- Soil Science Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991, Moscow, Russia
- G.K. Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms of RAS, Pushchino, 142290, Russia
| | - Evgenia Rodionova
- I.I. Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, Moscow, 105064, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mehta D, Saini V, Bajaj A. Recent developments in membrane targeting antifungal agents to mitigate antifungal resistance. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:1603-1628. [PMID: 37731690 PMCID: PMC10507810 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00151b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections cause severe and life-threatening complications especially in immunocompromised individuals. Antifungals targeting cellular machinery and cell membranes including azoles are used in clinical practice to manage topical to systemic fungal infections. However, continuous exposure to clinically used antifungal agents in managing the fungal infections results in the development of multi-drug resistance via adapting different kinds of intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms. The unique chemical composition of fungal membranes presents attractive targets for antifungal drug discovery as it is difficult for fungal cells to modify the membrane targets for emergence of drug resistance. Here, we discussed available antifungal drugs with their detailed mechanism of action and described different antifungal resistance mechanisms. We further emphasized structure-activity relationship studies of membrane-targeting antifungal agents, and classified membrane-targeting antifungal agents on the basis of their core scaffold with detailed pharmacological properties. This review aims to pique the interest of potential researchers who could explore this interesting and intricate fungal realm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Devashish Mehta
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Chemical Biology, Regional Centre for Biotechnology Faridabad-121001 Haryana India
| | - Varsha Saini
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Chemical Biology, Regional Centre for Biotechnology Faridabad-121001 Haryana India
| | - Avinash Bajaj
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Chemical Biology, Regional Centre for Biotechnology Faridabad-121001 Haryana India
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Du L, Haldar S, King JB, Mattes AO, Srivastava S, Wendt KL, You J, Cunningham C, Cichewicz RH. Persephacin Is a Broad-Spectrum Antifungal Aureobasidin Metabolite That Overcomes Intrinsic Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2023; 86:1980-1993. [PMID: 37523665 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c00382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Fungi pose a persistent threat to humankind with worrying indications that emerging and re-emerging pathogens (e.g., Candida auris, Coccidioides spp., drug-resistant Aspergilli, and more) exhibit resistance to the limited number of approved antifungals. To address this problem, our team is exploring endophytic fungi as a resource for the discovery of new antifungal natural products. The rationale behind this decision is based on evidence that endophytes engage with plants in mutualistic relationships wherein some fungi actively participate by producing chemical defense measures that suppress pathogenic microorganisms. To improve the odds of bioactive metabolite discovery, we developed a new hands-free laser-cutting system capable of generating >50 plant samples per minute that, in turn, enabled our team to prepare and screen large numbers of endophytic fungi. One of the fungal isolates obtained in this way was identified as an Elsinoë sp. that produced a unique aureobasidin analogue, persephacin (1). Some distinctive features of 1 are the absence of both phenylalanine residues combined with the incorporation of a novel amino acid residue, persephanine (9). Compound 1 exhibits potent antifungal effects against a large number of pathogenic yeast (including several clinical C. auris strains), as well as phylogenetically diverse filamentous fungi (e.g., Aspergillus fumigatus). In an ex vivo eye infection model, compound 1 outperformed standard-of-care treatments demonstrating the ability to suppress fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans and A. fumigatus at a concentration (0.1% solution) well below the clinically recommended levels used for fluconazole and natamycin (2% and 5% solutions, respectively). In 3D tissue models for acute dermal and ocular safety, 1 was found to be nontoxic and nonirritating at concentrations required to elicit antifungal activity. Natural product 1 appears to be a promising candidate for further investigation as a broad-spectrum antifungal capable of controlling a range of pathogens that negatively impact human, animal, and plant health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Du
- Natural Products Discovery Group, Institute for Natural Products Applications and Research Technologies, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Saikat Haldar
- Natural Products Discovery Group, Institute for Natural Products Applications and Research Technologies, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Jarrod B King
- Natural Products Discovery Group, Institute for Natural Products Applications and Research Technologies, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Allison O Mattes
- Natural Products Discovery Group, Institute for Natural Products Applications and Research Technologies, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Shikha Srivastava
- Natural Products Discovery Group, Institute for Natural Products Applications and Research Technologies, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Karen L Wendt
- Natural Products Discovery Group, Institute for Natural Products Applications and Research Technologies, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Jianlan You
- Natural Products Discovery Group, Institute for Natural Products Applications and Research Technologies, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Chad Cunningham
- Electronics & Instrument Shop, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Nielsen Hall, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Robert H Cichewicz
- Natural Products Discovery Group, Institute for Natural Products Applications and Research Technologies, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Leferman CE, Stoica L, Tiglis M, Stoica BA, Hancianu M, Ciubotaru AD, Salaru DL, Badescu AC, Bogdanici CM, Ciureanu IA, Ghiciuc CM. Overcoming Drug Resistance in a Clinical C. albicans Strain Using Photoactivated Curcumin as an Adjuvant. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1230. [PMID: 37627652 PMCID: PMC10451318 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12081230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The limited antifungal drugs available and the rise of multidrug-resistant Candida species have made the efforts to improve antifungal therapies paramount. To this end, our research focused on the effect of a combined treatment between chemical and photodynamic therapy (PDT) towards a fluconazole-resistant clinical Candida albicans strain. The co-treatment of PDT and curcumin in various doses with fluconazole (FLC) had an inhibitory effect on the growth of the FLC-resistant hospital strain of C. albicans in both difusimetric and broth microdilution methods. The proliferation of the cells was inhibited in the presence of curcumin at 3.125 µM and FLC at 41 µM concentrations. The possible involvement of oxidative stress was analyzed by adding menadione and glutathione as a prooxidant and antioxidant, respectively. In addition, we examined the photoactivated curcumin effect on efflux pumps, a mechanism often linked to drug resistance. Nile Red accumulation assays were used to evaluate efflux pumps activity through fluorescence microscopy and spectrofluorometry. The results showed that photoactivated curcumin at 3.125 µM inhibited the transport of the fluorescent substrate that cells usually expel, indicating its potential in combating drug resistance. Overall, the findings suggest that curcumin, particularly when combined with PDT, can effectively inhibit the growth of FLC-resistant C. albicans, addressing the challenge of yeast resistance to azole antifungals through upregulating multidrug transporters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen-Ecaterina Leferman
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Specialties II, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (C.-E.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Laura Stoica
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Mirela Tiglis
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Emergency Clinical Hospital of Bucharest, 014461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdan Alexandru Stoica
- Department of Biochemistry, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Monica Hancianu
- Department of Pharmacognosy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Alin Dumitru Ciubotaru
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Specialties II, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (C.-E.L.)
- Department of Biochemistry, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Department of Neurology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | | | - Aida Corina Badescu
- Department of Microbiology (Bacteriology, Virology) and Parasitology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | | | - Ioan-Adrian Ciureanu
- Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Cristina-Mihaela Ghiciuc
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Specialties II, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (C.-E.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Vandecruys P, Baldewijns S, Sillen M, Van Genechten W, Van Dijck P. Oteseconazole: a long-awaited diversification of the antifungal arsenal to manage recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2023; 21:799-812. [PMID: 37449774 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2023.2233696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) affects women worldwide and has far-reaching implications for a patient's quality of life. For decades, maintenance treatment using the azole antifungal fluconazole was the preferred treatment. Although efficient in controlling the symptoms, the development of azole resistance and high rates of recurrence after therapy cessation have emerged as significant limitations. Nevertheless, persistent efforts have delivered novel treatment options. Oteseconazole (VT-1161), marketed as VIVJOA, is an oral, tetrazole antifungal with unprecedented specificity toward the fungal lanosterol 14α-demethylase. AREAS COVERED We reviewed literature data on oteseconazole with a focus on the management of RVVC. EXPERT OPINION Therapeutic options for RVVC are limited, and novel, innovative approaches are needed to treat this debilitating condition. These therapies need to be well-tolerated and prevent RVVC recurrence. The available clinical data show excellent safety and efficacy, with an unprecedentedly low recurrence rate. However, we believe health-care providers should be mindful to monitor for the development of resistance, as this may result in treatment failure. Further, the availability and cost may, like for most novel drugs, affect the widespread clinical implementation of VIVJOA. Altogether, we are convinced that VIVJOA is a significant advance in RVVC management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Vandecruys
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Silke Baldewijns
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mart Sillen
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wouter Van Genechten
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrick Van Dijck
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|